This websites requires JavaScript to work. It looks like your browser doesn't support JavaScript, or has it turned off. Please try again with JavaScript support.

70% of our customers find a cheaper split ticket, saving £25 on average

Trains from Southampton (All Stations) to
Cardiff (All Stations)

Search for Split Tickets to get the Cheapest Fares (save up to 90%)

No card or booking fees

Southampton (All Stations) to Cardiff (All Stations) by train

Considering a train trip from Southampton (All Stations) to Cardiff (All Stations)? The journey typically lasts around 3hrs 7 mins and spans about 86 miles (138 kilometres). With approximately 17 trains running each day, you're spoiled for choice when scheduling your travel.

Southampton (All Stations) to Cardiff (All Stations) Key Stats

Arrival Station

Cardiff (All Stations)

Departure Station

Southampton (All Stations)

Frequency

17trains
per day

Journey Time

from2hrs 33 mins

Changes

015 direct
trains

First Train / Last Train

05:33 / 00:21

Distance

86miles
(138 km)

3 Routes

2 Train Operators

Travelling from Southampton (All Stations) to Cardiff (All Stations) by Train

Embark on a train journey from Southampton (All Stations) to Cardiff (All Stations), and you'll find it's quicker than you might anticipate!

The typical travel time is about 3hrs 7 mins, but if you're in a hurry or just eager to arrive, the fastest trains can whisk you there in just 2hrs 33 mins. With approximately 17 trains running daily, you have a wealth of options to choose from. This scenic route, spanning 86 miles (138 km), generally involves just one transfer, and operators like South Western Railway, GWR offer comfortable seating with plenty of room for your luggage.

Ready to secure those budget-friendly tickets? Use our Journey Planner to discover the latest deals and keep your travel costs down. Dive into more travel tips below or consult our timetable for up-to-date train schedules. All aboard for Cardiff (All Stations)!

Journey Details

Frequently asked questions about journeys between Southampton (All Stations) and Cardiff (All Stations)

Curious about your trip from Southampton (All Stations) to Cardiff (All Stations)? We've put together answers to the most commonly asked questions from our customers to make planning your journey easier.

How long does it take to travel between Southampton (All Stations) and Cardiff (All Stations) by train?

The travel time between Southampton (All Stations) and Cardiff (All Stations) by train varies depending on the type of train and the route, but the average journey time is 3hrs 7 mins & the fastest journey takes 2hrs 33 mins.

What's the fastest journey time between Southampton (All Stations) and Cardiff (All Stations) by train?

The fastest journey time by train from Southampton (All Stations) to Cardiff (All Stations) is 2hrs 33 mins.

What are the departure and arrival times for trains between Southampton (All Stations) and Cardiff (All Stations)?

The departure and arrival times for trains between Southampton (All Stations) and Cardiff (All Stations) vary depending on the day of the week and the type of train. Generally, there are around 17 departures and arrivals throughout the day. The first departure is 05:33, and the last train of the day leaves at 00:21.

What is the difference between first class and standard class on trains between Southampton (All Stations) and Cardiff (All Stations)?

First class tickets on trains between Southampton (All Stations) and Cardiff (All Stations) typically offer more space, complimentary food and drink, and other amenities compared to standard class.

What amenities are available on trains between Southampton (All Stations) and Cardiff (All Stations)?

Amenities on trains between Southampton (All Stations) and Cardiff (All Stations) can include free Wi-Fi, power outlets, onboard catering, and comfortable seating.

What is the cheapest way to travel from Southampton (All Stations) to Cardiff (All Stations) by train?

By booking your tickets on traintickets.com! There are many ways to save on the cost of train travel between Southampton (All Stations) and Cardiff (All Stations). On traintickets.com, we do all the work for you to find the cheapest way possible to get to Cardiff (All Stations), and can save you up to 90%! Simply search for your journey, and be assured we have found you the best possible price.

Is it possible to take a direct train from Southampton (All Stations) to Cardiff (All Stations)?

Yes! There are usually around 15 direct services per day from Southampton (All Stations) to Cardiff (All Stations)

What train companies run services from Southampton (All Stations) to Cardiff (All Stations)?

South Western Railway and GWR are the main train operating companies running services between Southampton (All Stations) and Cardiff (All Stations).

Can I bring luggage on board trains between Southampton (All Stations) and Cardiff (All Stations)?

Yes, you can bring luggage on board trains between Southampton (All Stations) and Cardiff (All Stations), but there may be limits on the number of bags or the size and weight of your luggage.

When are Southampton (All Stations) to Cardiff (All Stations) Train Times?

Check out the upcoming trains from Southampton (All Stations) to Cardiff (All Stations) on Friday 2nd May 2025, with our handy timetable below.

Alternatively, you can view the full day's schedule or search for a different date here!

Friday 2nd May
DepartsArrivesChangesVia StationsDurationOperator
15:11 Southampton Central17:49 Cardiff CentralDirect2 hrs 38 mins Get Tickets
15:23 Southampton Airport Parkway18:37 Cardiff Central1 changeReading
3 hrs 14 mins Get Tickets
16:11 Southampton Central18:49 Cardiff CentralDirect2 hrs 38 mins Get Tickets
16:23 Southampton Airport Parkway19:10 Cardiff Central1 changeReading
2 hrs 47 mins Get Tickets
17:11 Southampton Central19:51 Cardiff CentralDirect2 hrs 40 mins Get Tickets
17:23 Southampton Airport Parkway20:14 Cardiff Central1 changeReading
2 hrs 51 mins Get Tickets
17:32 Southampton Airport Parkway20:38 Cardiff Central2 changesBasingstoke
Reading
3 hrs 6 mins Get Tickets
18:10 Southampton Central20:45 Cardiff CentralDirect2 hrs 35 mins Get Tickets
18:23 Southampton Airport Parkway21:38 Cardiff Central1 changeReading
3 hrs 15 mins Get Tickets
19:11 Southampton Central21:44 Cardiff CentralDirect2 hrs 33 mins Get Tickets
19:23 Southampton Airport Parkway22:41 Cardiff Central1 changeReading
3 hrs 18 mins Get Tickets
20:11 Southampton Central22:50 Cardiff CentralDirect2 hrs 39 mins Get Tickets
Search all times & prices for today

What are my cheap ticket options for Southampton (All Stations) to Cardiff (All Stations) journeys?

From booking in Advance, to our FairSplits, here are our tips for you to find the best price

Advance Tickets

A single ticket for one journey leaving at a specific date and time.

The rule is: the sooner you book the cheaper they are. Usually the cheapest, but least flexible.

Off-Peak & Super Off-Peak Tickets

Offering greater flexibility than Advances, Off-Peak tickets offer travel during less busy times of day trading off more flexibility in the Off-Peak windows but for still discounted fares.

Anytime Tickets

Anytime tickets are fully flexible allowing travel at any time of the day. Brilliant if you don’t want the pressure of clock watching, returning when you want

With our FairSplit technology, you can save up to 90% on the cost of train travel.

Split ticketing means that instead of purchasing one rail ticket for your journey we automatically find and help you book two or more tickets instead, covering exactly the same journey. We call it our FairSplit.

Travelling in a group? We can save you even more!

Unlike other split ticketing sites, you can enter multiple railcards in a single search on traintickets.com. We will find you the best price using all possible combinations of your railcards in conjunction with our split ticketing technology & GroupSave.

When you do a search on traintickets.com we check all the cheapest prices automatically

Southampton (All Stations)

The following stations are part of this group. Click a station for more information.

Cardiff (All Stations)

The following stations are part of this group. Click a station for more information.